先sin1發faat3制zai3人jan4

English

1. (idiom) to gain the initiative by striking first; to preempt
2. to gain the initiative by striking the first blow; to forestall one's opponent by preemptive tactics

粵語 — Cantonese

1. 自己主動制衡敵人先

Examples

• 採取先發制人嘅手段

  to take preemptive measures

• 打仗同捉棋一樣，都係要先發制人。

  War is like a game of chess, preempting your opponents is key to success.